Quick Details
Rates Are Per Person
Group Courses - 3+ participants
CA$ 444
Beginner & Intermediate Whitewater Canoe Courses in Ontario
Fun, Inclusive Whitewater Lessons & Instruction on the Madawaska River
Ready to try whitewater paddling or build on the skills you already have? Paddler Co-op’s two-day whitewater canoe courses help adults, teens, and families develop skills, build confidence, and enjoy time on the river in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Whether you’re brand new to whitewater or looking to refine your technique, our experienced instructors will help you progress at your own pace. Courses run weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the season.
Who Are These Courses For?
Our whitewater canoe courses are a great fit for paddlers with a range of backgrounds and experience levels.
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- Lake paddlers and canoe trippers looking to develop whitewater skills.
- Beginners interested in trying whitewater paddling for the first time.
- Paddlers with experience but no formal instruction.
- Anyone looking to improve their confidence and technique.
- Paddlers returning to the river after time away.
- Anyone interested in trying a new boat or paddling discipline.
- Solo registrations welcome. We’ll do our best to pair you with another paddler or an instructor.
Coming on your own? No problem! Solo registrations are welcome. We’ll do our best to pair you with another paddler or an instructor.
What Will I Learn?
Our two-day courses combine practical instruction, time on the water, and personalized coaching to help you develop skills you can continue using beyond the course.
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Depending on your experience and goals, you’ll work on:
- Gear and safety: Equipment fitting, essential safety practices, and preparation for whitewater.
- Whitewater swimming and self-rescue: Understanding what to do if you end up out of your boat.
- Paddling techniques: Developing effective strokes, boat control, and manoeuvres.
- Reading the river: Understanding currents, identifying hazards, and learning to scout rapids.
- On-water practice: Applying your skills in real river conditions with instructor feedback.
- Paddling confidently and responsibly: Building the knowledge and judgment to enjoy whitewater more safely.
Your instructor will adapt the course to your experience and can offer additional guidance based on your goals.
Choose Your Experience Level
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New to whitewater? Start here.
Our beginner courses introduce you to the fundamentals in a supportive, hands-on environment. You’ll learn essential techniques, practise reading moving water, and develop the confidence to navigate rapids with your instructor’s guidance.
No formal whitewater training is required. It’s a great next step for lake paddlers, canoe trippers, and anyone curious about exploring moving water.
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Already have some whitewater experience? Build on what you know.
Our intermediate courses focus on refining your technique, improving boat control, and developing your confidence in more challenging situations.
You’ll have opportunities to:
- Refine your strokes and manoeuvres.
- Improve boat control and river reading.
- Practise new techniques with personalized coaching.
- Challenge yourself and work toward your individual goals.
- Refresh your skills before a new paddling season.
What’s Included?
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✓ Two days of whitewater canoe instruction.
✓ Experienced instructors and personalized coaching.
✓ Hands-on practice on the Madawaska River.
✓ Instruction tailored to your experience level and goals.
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× Camping or overnight accommodations (these can be added onto your booking)
× Meals, snacks, and drinks.
× Transportation to and from Paddler Co-op.
× Paddling equipment, boat rental, & gear (these can be added onto your booking)
Make It A Paddling Getaway!
Camping is available on-site, or you’re welcome to book a room at a nearby accommodation.
Have Questions? We’re Happy To Help!
Not sure if this course is the right fit for you?
Give us a call or send us an email. We’re happy to help you figure out where this course fits into your paddling journey.
Please Note: A minimum of three participants is required for group courses. Paddler Co-op reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses if minimum enrolment is not met. A booking fee applies to online reservations. Only one discount code may be applied per program.